Injury problems on the west coast are getting worse in time for their return trip to the Queensland hub.
Plus, an aspiring Bulldogs star might miss a round 13 crunch fight while an important magpie appears to have got lucky.
Get the latest AFL injury news after round 12 in Emergency room!
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EAGLES FEEL HEAD OF PAIN IN SECOND FOOT FRENZY
West Coast face a crucial three-week block of five games of their season without midfielder Elliot Yeo as their injury problems worsen.
The Eagles were forced to withdraw Yeo with groin pain just before Sunday’s win against Hawthorn, but coach Adam Simpson said the club feared “an Osteitis problem” after the game.
After their final game in Perth for the home and away seasons against GWS next Saturday night, the 2018 premieres will travel to Queensland and face Richmond, Essendon, the Western Bulldogs and St. Kilda.
The games against the Tigers and the Saints will both take place after a four-day break. and the compressed device means Yeo could miss the entire game block.
“He (Yeo) got a bit tight last week and we didn’t know how he was going to recover so we gave him to this day,” said Simpson.
“It could be some kind of osteitis so we were hoping it wasn’t. It just didn’t work out well so he could be out for a couple of weeks, which could mean five games. “
Meanwhile, Ruckman Nathan Vardy is likely to miss a long time with complications following a corky in a scratch match.
“It’s a cork that has bled very badly. It’s a compartment syndrome, ”said Simpson.
“He’s in the hospital right now.
“What a cork was – and we did it in the back half of this fight – is now a serious problem that we hope will be fine. He could be out and about for most of the season. “
Jack Redden (adductor) will be rated this week, but Liam Duggan (thigh) and Mark Hutchings (toe) could return for Round 13.
ENGLISH FACING TEST FOR BIG BULLDOGS CLASH
Western Bulldogs coach Luke Beveridge admits Ruckman Tim English could miss Saturday’s crunch match with Melbourne.
English has given the Bulldogs stability on a side that has otherwise changed dramatically from week to week. In the 12th round, the Dogs had used 37 different players, including the injured Sydney and Collingwood, and a rebuilt team from Adelaide.
After an ankle injury on Sunday’s late win against the Crows, the 23-year-old could miss the crucial game of the 13th round against the Demons.
“I mentioned in the post-game press conference that he had told me that he suspected he would be fine,” said Beveridge IT IS.
“It’s in the air. Chances are, Tim will miss this week.
“It’s a six day break, if he isn’t ready in the final training session we just have to rule a line (through him) and get him ready for possibly the next week.”
The veteran supplier Jackson Trengove or the uncapped Jordon Sweet would be the likely alternatives if English doesn’t fit.
CRUCIAL FORWARD SHOULD NOT ADD TO BURNED WHEREES OF PIES
Collingwood has had some positive news in its ongoing injury crisis. Key striker Brody Mihocek will face North Melbourne next week.
Mihocek has been rated and had scans after a nasty collision with Melbourne’s Aaron vandenBerg on Saturday, but Collingwood boss Geoff Walsh said there was no sign of a concussion and no serious damage.
The 27-year-old is the only Magpie who has scored more than 10 goals this season (14), which makes him particularly important in an attacking team.
“What looked like a bad injury is not considered too bad. Given that our game against the Kangaroos is now seven days away, Brodie will in all likelihood be eligible for selection and cleared “said Walsh.
Defender Isaac Quaynor may also return as he recovers from a leg injury against Sydney when he was accidentally cut open by Sam Wick’s boot cleats.
“I would think all that stands between him and his return is to give the all-clear for escaping a serious injury from what was lucky,” said Walsh.
Adam Treloar and Ben Reid are both three to four weeks away at best with their hamstring injuries, meaning they run around the clock to be ready for the final laps of the season, while Brayden Sier (Quad) won’t be fit until the end should final.
Jordan de Goey (finger) and Jeremy Howe (knee) are both up and running again as part of their rehab programs, but remain long-term prospects.
HAWKS CONFIRM ACL TEAR FOR SICILY
Star Hawthorn defender James Sicily will be out for up to 12 months and potentially expel him from both 2020 and 2021 seasons after breaking his ACL against the West Coast.
Scans on Monday confirmed the diagnosis for the 25-year-old. CONTINUE READING
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